Portion of Propane Tank Proposal Rejected by Searsport Planning Board

Good news for opponents of a proposed 22-million gallon liquid propane terminal at Mack Point. On Wednesday, the Searsport Planning Board gathered for the first night of deliberation on the issue. Public hearings wrapped up last month.The board ruled that DCP Midstream’s construction plans within the town’s industrial zone are permissible: however plans for construction within the commercial zone were unanimously voted down. A proposed water pump, pipeline, and access road to the facility could not be permitted within the town’s zoning ordinances.Construction plans cannot be changed from this point forward.The opposition claims that DCP is misleading townspeople in their claim that the structure will be an import terminal, as opposed to export facility, distributing liquefied petroleum to areas beyond New England. Proponents say that based on the town’s ordinances, their plan should be approved.Further discussion is scheduled for tomorrow night at 6:30 P.M, and additional dates in April if needed.